Winter ecology of juvenile Chinook Salmon in the Strait of Georgia

The goal of the study is to investigate the health and ecology of juvenile Chinook Salmon during the winter, a season with supposedly very low levels of survival. We fish throughout the winter on an on-call basis, and sample and release
most fish brought on board; a small portion of juvenile Chinook Salmon are retained for further sampling. The samples we collect in the field include length and weight, diet composition by induced stomach evacuation using water pressure, and scales to determine genetic stock origin. We also measure ocean temperature at depth of capture using a small, scientific instrument. The energy content of prey from the diets and retained fish, along with fat content of those fish, will be determined. These results will fill critical knowledge gaps and contribute to a better understanding of fluctuations in Chinook Salmon survival and productivity in the Strait of Georgia.

Faculty Supervisor:

Francis Juanes

Student:

Partner:

Pacific Salmon Foundation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: